Saturday, July 21, 2012

Theodore (Ted) Arthur Goetz (84), part of a five-generation Hollywood family that were pioneers in the film and television business and part of the larger MGM family, died peacefully at his home in Encinitas, Ca. on July 15, 2012 from melanoma. He was born in New York City on April 25, 1928 and graduated from New York Military Academy and Michigan State University. After graduation, Ted created a successful career in television advertising, directing and producing television commercials. He spent 30 years as executive producer at FilmFair in Studio City, Ca. directing and producing many national television commercials such as Frosted Flakes (Tony the Tiger), the original "Milk Does a Body Good" campaign, the Schlitz malt liquor bull, and the Man from Glad, among others. Family lore includes a commercial featuring Groucho Marx, with Marx imitating Ted's directing style between "takes." Due in part to his contributions, FilmFair expanded from a commercial animation company to an international live action commercial production company.

Ted was a key driver in building the Association of Independent Commercial Producers (AICP) and spent time as President of the West Chapter and Vice President of AICP National. He was awarded AICP’s highest honor in 1992, the Jay B. Eisenstat award, which the organization notes is reserved for individuals who have helped define the industry through their individual accomplishments and selfless giving through their work on behalf of AICP. His career also includes some work in the direction and production of feature films, the most notable of which was The Baltimore Bullet (1980) starring Omar Sharif and James Coburn.

Ted was known for his generosity and, along with his wife, his support of family and charitable organizations. Ted is survived by his wife of 50 years, Sandra; children Jack, Amy, Ted, Matthew, Daniel and his niece Jan; grandchildren Jillian, Jason, Jena, Kali, Rachelle, Cari, and Sara. He was preceded in death by his brother Jack and his daughters Beth and Dana, who both died in young adulthood from the ravages of diabetes. 

Donations in his memory may be made to the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation.

A memorial service for Ted will be held at 3:00PM on Saturday, August 25 at the FilmFair stage, 10900 Ventura Blvd., Studio City, CA. Following the celebration, all are welcome to join us at Zach’s CafĂ© for refreshments.  We request you email and let us know if you able to join us there so we can plan accordingly.

5 comments:

Sara G said...

Growing up, I knew next to nothing about my grandfather's career and honors. To me, he was just Grandpa, who was always there at family events and often at my sisters' and my games and performances, who gave us Legos, took me to plays, taught me to drive stick and provided the car to do it with, and even took me on my first trip out of the country. He gave me my sweet tooth and a taste for cheese enchiladas. He took me on my first tour of what would eventually be my university, and although I like to claim my decision was based mostly on weather, it was partly due to his being so nearby.

I will always remember his kindness and humor and support, and I feel incredibly lucky to have had thirty years with him in my life.

Anonymous said...

Thank you dad for always doing the right thing, saying the right thing, and caring so much for your family!!! You will forever be a part of our lives, never to be forgotten. I know we didnt say these words a lot in our family, but I love you!!!! I will see you again someday.

Anonymous said...

Grandpa, Thank you for reading books to me, playing with me, taking me to the park, coming to my games and introducing me to live theatre. Most of all, thank you for being my grandpa. I love you and will always remember our cuddles on the couch.

Love, Jillian

Anonymous said...

My west coast Dad and good friend died a good death in his old age. I was going to visit him next month to kibitz and hear all about his family as he always shared all their adventures with a twinkle in his eye and now I will attend his memorial service.Thank you Goetz's for sharing Ted with me. Without Ted I would not have my best friend Amy. xxMarci

PawelW said...

I came here by accident looking for informations about Dana Hill. My condolences to the family on the death of her and the elder of the family.

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